Imam Reza's Pilgrimage

Foreword

We thank God the Almighty for the opportunity granted to us to undertake the preparation of IMAM REZA'S PILGRIMAGE PROCEDURES AND PRAYERS. Imam Reza (MGB)1 is the eighth Immaculate Leader of Muslims from the progeny of Muhammad the Prophet of God (MGB). Imam Ali ibn Musa known as al-Reza was also known as Abal-Hassan. He was born in Medina on Thursday, 11th Dhu'l Qi'dah 148 A.H. (765 A.D.). He was poisoned by alMa'mun at the age of 55 in Mashhad on Tuesday, 7th Saffar 203 A.H. (818 A.D.) and buried in Mashhad.

Imam Reza (MGB) was brought up under the holy guidance of his father for 35 years. His own insight and brilliance in religious matters combined with the excellent training and education given by his father made him unique in his spiritual leadership. Imam Reza (MGB) was a living example of the piety of the great Prophet Muhammad (MGB) and the chivalry and generosity of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (MGB).

In this book we have presented several traditions regarding the nobility of the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (MGB) and two authentic pilgrimage procedures and ________________________ 1 MGB stands for May God Bless Him or May God Bless Him and his Household.

prayers from Sheikh Sadooq's book Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, the first of which was quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn al-Hassan - may God be pleased with him. The second one was quoted on the authority of Imam Reza (MGB). We have also included a third pilgrimage prayer called Ziyarat-i-Jame'a Kabeere that is an authentic pilgrimage prayer recorded by Sheikh Sadooq in his books Man La Yahzorohul Faqih and Uyoon Akhbar al-Reza. Sheikh Toosi has also quoted it in his book Tahzibul Ahkam. Concerning this pilgrimage prayer, Allamah Majlisi has said: "Ziyarat-i-Jame'a is authentic from the aspect of the chain of narrators. It is eloquent and has an expressive text that makes it the best pilgrimage prayer."1 This pilgrimage prayer was taught by Imam Ali Naqi (MGB) to his companion Musa ibn Imran an-Nakha'ee upon Musa's personal request. We hope that the readers benefit from this book and pray for our salvation.

________________________ 1 Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 102, p. 144.